What Is Legendary Swimmer Michael Phelps’ Fastest Time?

Published 06/28/2022, 8:15 AM EDT

When Michael Phelps was swimming competitively, the athlete dominated all his events. Moreover, the swimmer proceeded to break numerous records during this time. He went on to haul a record 28 medals in the Olympics alone.

Although his successors have surpassed most of his records, there is one that has stood the test of time.

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Michael Phelps still holds the world record in his fastest event

The record in question is the 400m Individual Medley, which he completed in a mere 04:03.84 at the Beijing Olympics. However, it is not the only record that the swimmer held during his career. He also held the world record in the 200m free, 100m fly, 200m fly, and 200m IM events.

“He Grew Two Inches”- Michael Phelps’ Coach’s Harsh Reality Check at Breakfast Triggered Him Into 100m Fly Victory at Beijing Olympics 2008

All of these records, except the 400m IM, have been broken by his successors. However, no other swimmer would even come close to the time he clocked at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

To put things into perspective, the event has not seen any other swimming breaking the 4 minutes 5 seconds barrier after Phelps.

Hence, this record has stood its ground for almost 14 years. The previous record in the event was also held by the Baltimore Bullet when he clocked 4:05:25 at the 2008 US Olympic trials.

Phelps’ speed in the water

During his prime, Phelps attained speeds of 6 mph in the water. Although it may not seem like much for land-dwellers, it is a significant feat. It is because most humans have an average speed of 2 mph in water.

It puts Phelps’ speed as much as three times faster than the average Joe. However, the most decorated Olympian is not the average swimmer. And this speed makes the five-time Olympian the winningest athlete of all time.

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However, he surpassed his superhuman swimming pace to conquer even greater speeds. It was the time when the swimmer raced against various shark species to see where he stood.

Although the Olympian attained speeds of 8.8 mph, he achieved the speed with the aid of a monofin specifically designed to enhance propulsion with each stroke. This allowed Phelps to attain such inhuman speed. However, his unassisted speed of 6 mph is nothing short of a feat.

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Swimming Legend Michael Phelps vs Piranha: Who’s Faster?

Although the Flying Fish did not leave all species of the sharks he competed against trailing behind, he managed to defeat the reef shark. However, he could not beat the hammerhead and the great white shark. To people wondering why he would try to beat a shark on its turf. Well, he did so because he could!

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Written by:

Aklanta Chetia Wanniang is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. He has a Master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi. With an interest in learning about multiple sports, Aklanta himself is a former sportsperson and has participated in state and national level swimming events.

Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa

What Is Legendary Swimmer Michael Phelps’ Fastest Time?

Michael Phelps still holds the world record in his fastest event

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Phelps’ speed in the water